Sportsman&#39;s tent



g- 3, 1965 B. E. SANDERS 3,198,200

SPORTSMAN S TENT Filed May 20, 1963 INVENTOR.

BY MW FIG.2

United States Patent M 3,198,260 SPORTSMANS TENT Bryan E. Sanders, 1143 S. Louisville, Tulsa, Okla. Filed May 20, 1963, Ser. No. 281,674

1 Claim. (Cl. 1351) This invention relates to a collapsible sportsmens tent.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a collapsible sportsmens tent or canopy structure which is capable of being readily erected for use or collapsible when not in use for easy storage and transportation.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision in a sportsmens tent of flexible metal structural members which function not only to support the covering of the tent but also, due to the inherent flexing action, serve to maintain the bottom portion thereof in flat form wihout the use of bottom structural members.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible sportsmens tent structure which includes an inflatable portion and upon being inflated aids in the erection and support of the canopy structure for use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible sportsmens tent or canopy structure which includes one or more transparent windows spaced around the walls of the tent.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible sportsmens tent or canopy structure which can be supported either horizontally or in a vertical position and which is adaptable to be used as a blind for hunting game.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent upon further reading of the specifications and claim when taken in conjunction with the following illustrations of which:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view, partly in section and partly broken away to describe the collapsible canopy of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the canopy of this invention in its collapsed position.

Referring now to the drawings in specific detail, the numeral indicates one side wall of the tent, usually of a waterproof and lightweight material, such as canvas or the like. The numeral 12 depicts the opposite side wall, while numeral 14 describes the curved top wall. The walls, as previously described, are constructed of a single piece of material and terminate their ends with end wall member 16 and end wall member 18. The one end wall member 16 is attached to the sides and top by a releasable connection, such as a zippered connection 20 which can be released by dual opposed zippers 22. End wall member 16 also includes an additional zippered opening 24, which can be released by zipper 26 and replaced by a screen member as shown and/ or a solid member, not shown.

A series of frame or structural members 27 are axially spaced along the length of the tent walls and are retained in their respective positions by retainer straps 28. The other end wall 18 is preferably affixed to the side and top walls and end frame member 27 but includes a vent flap 29, or possibly a screen member, which is releasably attached such as with a zippered connection 30 and zipper 31 to provide an opening 32 as desired.

The function of the structural members 27 is an important element of the invention. Each of the structural members 27 is a single length of flexible material, such as a spring steel. The structural members 27 may be of a variety of cross-sectional configurations, such as the flattened cross-section shown, or they may be of round, square, or of any other desired configuration. The structural members 27 are straight or at least substantially straight in their natural shape. During assembly of the tent of this invention the structural members are flexed within their elastic limits to the U-shaped configuration 3,198,200 Patented Aug. 3, 1965 shown. Due to their natural flexing action the structural members spread apart and hold flat the bottom of the tent.

The provision of the flexing structural members 27 has several advantages. First, these light weight members give rigidity to the tent to hold it in shape even in strong wind, or even if a snow accumulation builds on top of the tent. Second, the flexing structural members 27 are very light for the degree of rigidity they impart so that the overall portability of the tent is retained. Third, the flexing action of the structural members 27 eliminate the need for any bracing or structure members across the bottom of the tent thus reducing the overall weight of the tent and eliminating any protrusions across the bottom which might otherwise interfere with sleeping comfort provided by the tent. And fourth, the provision of the spacedapart flexing structural members 27 make possible a tent which can be quickly and easily compacted for hauling or carrying without any hinge action or other coupling arrangement between the structural frame work.

The bottom of the tent includes a pocket comprised of upper member 34 and lower member 36 and side members 33 which may be sealed to form an air pocket, or in the alternative provide means for an air mattress 40, having an air inlet means 42 in connection therewith.

The use of an air mattress or air pocket in the lower end of the collapsible canopy of this invention will in most instances provide suflicient longitudinal rigidity to the tent in its extended or use position. When the tent is to be utilized for longer periods, or in windy weather it is desirable to use loops 46 and ropes 48 which are tied to the ground stakes 50 for further support.

In use, the tent of this invention is transported to the desired location somewhat in the position shown in FIG- URE 2. Upon reaching location the tent is easily and quickly opened to the use or extended position shown in FIGURE 1. Inflation of the air mattress in the bottom pocket will sustain the tent in extended position as above described, however, use of hold down stakes is preferred.

In some instances it is desirable to use the tent of this invention as a blind for hunting game,such as ducks or other game birds and the like. In that instance the collapsible tent of this invention is placed on one end such as end 18 with the upper flap 16 fully open or closed as the case may be. In this manner with a transparent window 44 facing the direction of the incoming game the hunter or sportsman can view the situation from an enclosed, protected canopy.

In the drawings and above description the tent is shown with four flexible structural members 27. This is the preferred embodiment although it is realized that a larger or smaller number of such elements may be utilized.

Although this invention has been described with refer ence to its specific and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent, however, that many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, this invention should be construed not to be limited to the embodiment herein described but should be limited only by the scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed:

A portable sleeping tent comprising:

an elongated structure of flexible waterproof material having substantially straight sides, an integral continuous arcuate top, and substantially vertical end portions;

a zipper means attaching at least one of the end portions to the sides and top portions, the zipper means aflording access into the structure;

a multiplicity of spaced apart structural members attached to the interior of the top and sides of the structure, each of the structural members formed of a substantially straight unitary metallic member varcuately flex-ed within its elastic limit, the flexed structural members serving to laterally support the sides and top of the structure;

paralleled, spaced apart horizontally extending bottom panels, the bottom panel forming the bottom of the structure and forming a mattress receiving pocket therebetween; and

an inflatable mattress in the pocket formed by the panels, the mattress When inflated affording longitudinal support to maintain the structural members in extended spaced relationship, wherein the structure is longitudinally compactably collapsible when the mattress is deflated and extended to full length When the air mattress is inflated.

References (Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Beman 135-l4 Blair 1351 Nelson l351 Bowen 1351 Potter 1351 Darby 1351 Clift 1351 Seaman et al; 135-1 Rexroat et al. 135-1 HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner. 

